Discusses three experiments conducted with undergraduates to investigate important characteristics of mental models, their influence on task performance, and instructional strategies facilitating their formation. Results suggest that dynamic visual displays are more effective than static visual displays for teaching electronic troubleshooting…

Discussion of computer-based instruction and animation focuses on a study of undergraduates that investigated the effects of two computer-based instructional strategies, visual display and feedback type, on teaching how to troubleshoot electronic circuits. Time spent on various components of the program is also examined. (35 references) (LRW)